Philippines' pet weddings highlight animal blessing ceremony

Fifteen four-legged couples tied the knot at a pet wedding ceremony in the Philippines on Sunday that was held along with a special blessing of pets to mark World Animal Day.

Canine couples took the plunge at a park by a shopping mall where hundreds of animals, including cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, also received blessings in a drive-through and in-person ceremony from a priest who sprinkled them with holy water.

Pet owners walk with their dogs during a pet wedding at a mall in Quezon City ahead of World Animal Day.

It was the first in-person ceremony since the pandemic to mark World Animal day - celebrated worldwide to recognise animal rights and welfare - which falls on October 4, also the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

A priest sprinkles holy water at dogs at a drive-through pet blessing.

Pet owners walk with their dogs during a pet wedding at a mall in Quezon City.

A priest sprinkles holy water at a dog at a drive-through pet blessing ahead of World Animal Day.

A priest sprinkles holy water at a cat at a drive-through pet blessing.

Pet owners line up during a pet blessing at a mall in Quezon City.

A priest sprinkles holy water at dogs at a drive-through pet blessing ahead of World Animal Day.

A priest sprinkles holy water at dogs at a drive-through pet blessing at a mall in Quezon City.

A woman carries her guinea pigs as she lines up for pet blessing.

A priest sprinkles holy water at a dog at a drive-through pet blessing at a mall in Quezon City ahead of World Animal Day.